New Zealand Passes 'Zero Carbon' Target Law, PM Jacinda Ardern Says 'We Are On The Right Side Of History'

Laying a strong foundation and setting a decisive example for the rest of the world leaders to follow and act, New Zealand has passed a landmark climate legislation with historic cross-party support, committing the nation to reduce its carbon emissions to zero by 2050 and meet its commitments under the Paris climate accords.

The climate change response (zero carbon) amendment bill, which passed on November 7, mandates that, in net terms, the country should produce no greenhouse gases -- except methane -- by the middle of the century.

Methane -- a by-product of the key agricultural sector -- will be cut by 24-47 percent over the same time frame.

The bill establishes an independent Climate Change Commission to advise the government on how to achieve its targets and to produce "carbon budgets" every five years saying how many emissions will be allowed in that period, said a report by AFP.

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"We are on the right side of history," Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said.

"Undeniably, our sea levels are rising. Undeniably, we are experiencing extreme weather events. Undeniably, the science tells us the impact on flora and fauna -- yes, also the spread of diseases in areas where we previously haven't seen them," she said.¡¯

New Zealand¡¯s climate change minister James Shaw said the bill commits New Zealand to keeping global warming below 1.5 degrees, provided a framework for the island country of nearly 5 million to adapt too, and prepare for the climate emergency.

¡°We¡¯ve led the world before in nuclear disarmament and in votes for women, now we are leading again.¡± Shaw said.

¡°Climate change is the defining long-term issue of our generation that successive governments have failed to address. Today we take a significant step forward in our plan to reduce New Zealand¡¯s emissions.¡±

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The 2050 greenhouse gas reduction target will comprise two separate plans -- One for biogenic methane, or that which is produced by living organisms, and another for all other greenhouse gases.

Across the world, the legislation has been applauded by activists and environment groups, appreciating the efforts that New Zealand is putting in to lift climate emergency with its pragmatic and levelled approach.

New Zealand is one of 65 countries that have pledged to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050, but not all have enshrined the target in law.

The country of just under five million people has also committed to 100 per cent renewable energy generation by 2035.